Hynautic Steering Reservoir - Problem Adding Fluid

[Vincentc]

1983 43 DC
Trying to add fluid to the reservoir but am have a problem removing the filler cap.
I depressurized using the "tire stem" fitting on the top of the filler cap and then tried to turn the cap using a 1" wrench turning counter-clockwise. The cap is stuck fast. I have applied "blaster", all to no avail.
Any suggestions you might have would be most appreciated.
Thanks
Vincent

Lilly Marie
Pascagoula

 

[Cricket]

Hope the cap isn't galled into the canister. Probably not a good idea to hit with some heat because of the oil.

 

[Pearl Island]

I have the same problem and I am afraid to break the cap with to much force. I solved it by remove the pressure gauge and fill through this hole.

 

[Boatsb]

The oil will not explode with a little heat. Get a small impact gun on it and give it some vibration now and then for a few seconds at a time to help too. Fwd and rev. Back and forth.

 

[Vincentc]

Thanks
I've tried to remove the smaller plug but it is stuck as well and the head stripped with a box end wrench
Tomorrow I'll try some heat and see if I can find an impact wrench
This is all complicated by a not very sturdy bracket holding the cylinder to the ER bulkhead
Not to mention a tight fit for me

 

[Boatsb]

It might take removing it and putting it on a bench

 

[Briankinley2004]

I tried removing mine and it was stuck. Even held canister with a filter wrench to help to no avail. My solution is as metiione above. Remove gauge and fill thru that hole. It takes a little longer and a smaller funnel but I dont have to do this often.

 

[Vincentc]

Before buying an impact driver, I went back with a 7/16 deep socket (vs a combination wrench) on the vent plug and used the 1" wrench on the large plug to hold everything in place.
That worked and I was able to add fluid to the reservoir.
Thanks
The lower helm works fine, but the flybridge wheel just spins. I will take a look at the manual and see if something can be done to get it working for now.
We have a niece's high school graduation boat party next weekend and there isn't time now to send send the pump off for repairs.
The upper helm would be nice but not mission critical.
Curious how it can be difficult to get motivated to do boat work while the weather is not boating friendly.

 

[wpc691]

Before buying an impact driver, I went back with a 7/16 deep socket (vs a combination wrench) on the vent plug and used the 1" wrench on the large plug to hold everything in place. That worked and I was able to add fluid to the reservoir.ThanksThe lower helm works fine, but the flybridge wheel just spins. I will take a look at the manual and see if something can be done to get it working for now. We have a niece's high school graduation boat party next weekend and there isn't time now to send send the pump off for repairs. The upper helm would be nice but not mission critical.Curious how it can be difficult to get motivated to do boat work while the weather is not boating friendly.

When my Schraeder valve leaked and pressure went to zero, my wheel just spun like a top. When I replaced the valve, added some fluid and repressurized, it took quite a few full spins of the wheel back and forth before it “caught”, then worked fine. As long as you didn’t run completely out of fluid and get air in the lines, maybe that’s all it needs.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Before buying an impact driver, I went back with a 7/16 deep socket (vs a combination wrench) on the vent plug and used the 1" wrench on the large plug to hold everything in place. That worked and I was able to add fluid to the reservoir.ThanksThe lower helm works fine, but the flybridge wheel just spins. I will take a look at the manual and see if something can be done to get it working for now. We have a niece's high school graduation boat party next weekend and there isn't time now to send send the pump off for repairs. The upper helm would be nice but not mission critical.Curious how it can be difficult to get motivated to do boat work while the weather is not boating friendly.

Once you add fluid, give it 50 psi of air. It’ll probably start dropping as fluid is pushed up to FB. Bring it back to 50 and then start spinning the helm. If you are lucky it’ll work. Otherwise you’ll probably need to bleed the system. Unless the helm leaks, 99% chance it just needs fluid and some air. Once it’s ok take the air down to about 30 and leave it.

 

[kflod]

Before buying an impact driver, I went back with a 7/16 deep socket (vs a combination wrench) on the vent plug and used the 1" wrench on the large plug to hold everything in place. That worked and I was able to add fluid to the reservoir.ThanksThe lower helm works fine, but the flybridge wheel just spins. I will take a look at the manual and see if something can be done to get it working for now. We have a niece's high school graduation boat party next weekend and there isn't time now to send send the pump off for repairs. The upper helm would be nice but not mission critical.Curious how it can be difficult to get motivated to do boat work while the weather is not boating friendly.

Hi, I had the same problem as you. Fill the reservoir three quarter full, and pump it up to 40+. Spin the wheel normal speed 30 times in one direction, then check for oil level and pressure. Refill and Increase if necessary. Then do the opposite direction and check once more for oil level and pressure. If that doesn't help, you can loosen one of the hydraulic hoses a turn or two and engage the autopilot in the same direction. Some air and oil spray should come out. Immediately tighten once just oil comes out and disengage the ap. That should do the trick - it has at least done it for me good luck!

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

There’s an echo in here somewhere

 

[kelpy]

First you have to find and fix the leak(s).

 

[kflod]

There’s an echo in here somewhere

Sorry, just thought perhaps I should add the trick with the autopilot doing the bleeding.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Sorry, just thought perhaps I should add the trick with the autopilot doing the bleeding. 

I said it with a smile.

 

[Boatsb]

Air has to push (displace) fluid in the tank so it goes up to the bridge helm and bleeds back. When i replumbed mine I put the tank next to the helm on the bridge so it bleeds easier.

Hynautic says fill, pressurize and turn the wheel 100 times or until it grabs. Then the other way and you should be good.

 

[MVCaprice]

Pardon the amateur question, but what is the right amount of pressure for the reservoir? Should it be statically 50 psi?

 

[Pascal]

I always use 15 to 20 psi It s enough to push fluid up to the flybridge helm. No need to over pressurize

 

[SEVEN]

Mine has a sticker from the manufacturer stating 25 PSI.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Pardon the amateur question, but what is the right amount of pressure for the reservoir? Should it be statically 50 psi?

Hynautic book says 20-30 psi as the constant pressure. I use 30 psi for the sole reason that 30 is 12 o'clock on the dial and easy to read w/o glasses. It'll vary about 5 psi with ambient temps in ER. I ran as low as 5 psi without loss of steering when I had a leak a coupe of years back (single helm).